Erik Van der Kolk from The Netherlands was crowned the 5th European Conductor’s Competition winner at the Stravinski Auditorium in Montreux on Thursday evening.
Impressive sum
The 25 year old, who also conducts Championship Section Brass Band Rijnmond, was absolutely thrilled by his victory – one that saw him pick up the impressive sum of 4,000 Euros for his efforts.
Direction
His direction of Brass Band Fribourg, on ‘A Moorside Suite’ by Gustav Holst impressed the five man jury of Tijman Botma, Rune Bergman, Nicholas Childs, Blaise Heritier and Luc Vertommen in what was a high quality final.
Erik also won the awards voted on by the band and audience
The three finalists were faced with music from the ‘Golden Age’ of brass band repertoire, with Tristan Uth from Germany conducting John Ireland’s ‘A Downland Suite’, and Nick Ost from Belgium directing Elgar’s original version of ‘A Severn Suite’.
His direction of Brass Band Fribourg, on ‘A Moorside Suite’ by Gustav Holst impressed the five man jury of Tijman Botma, Rune Bergman, Nicholas Childs, Blaise Heritier and Luc Vertommen in what was a high quality final4BR
Compact
In the end however it was the compact, concise style of the Dutchman that brought a well shaped performance from Fribourg, that impressed the jury panel most.
Second place and the 2,000 Euro runner up prize went to Tristan Uth with Nick Ost claiming 1,000 Euros for coming third.
All three conductors received warm applause for their efforts from a large and very knowledgeable audience as well as fine support from the players of Brass Band Fribourg.
A full retrospective of the event will appear on 4BR.
Result:
1. Erik Van der Kolk (The Netherlands)
2. Tristan Uth (Germany)
3. Nick Ost (Belgium)
Interview
4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Erik Van der Kolk after his victory at the 5th European Conductor’s Competition.
